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No one can say Michael Manning didn’t live his life to the fullest. He enjoyed great friendships and surrounded himself with those he held dear. With a heart of gold, Michael would do anything for anyone, and it gave him great joy to bring a smile to someone’s day. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer a shoulder to lean on and had open arms to those in need. With many fond memories to be treasured, Michael leaves a forever imprint on the hearts of those he loved and touched. The hottest thing on wheels, the ‘55 Chevy found many Americans with their car radios tuned to chartbusting hits while at home, family television sets were dialed to “The Mickey Mouse Club” and “I Love Lucy”. With dreams of visiting the new “Disneyland” in California, a favorite of young boys everywhere included Davy Crockett fi lms where adventure was sure to follow those wearing his ever popular coonskin cap. In the bustling city of Kankakee, Illinois, September 18, 1955 marked an especially memorable day for John J. and Lola Jean (Hutton) Manning when they celebrated the birth of their son, Michael Ricky Manning. Michael grew up alongside his sisters, Barbara Ann and Venita Diane in nearby Bradley. Although he was truly a sweet child, as he grew older he loved to pester them. A typical boy, he found his share of mischief, but his true mischievous side came out when he was around his sisters. As a youngster Michael was a big Superman fan, and he loved anything to do with his hero. Although as a kid when he took his bike part, it was a huge disappointment when he couldn’t put it back together again! From an early age, Mike had many whom he called friend. Easy going and well liked, he most often hung out with older friends. He attended the area schools and went on to fi nd work at various places before eventually landing a job working in the oil business in Fairfi eld, Illinois for a time. He most recently had been employed at Crown Cork and Seal as a mechanic for several years. A true trekkie, Mike was a huge Star Trek buff. He always had a big interest in science fi ction, but when he became older his enthusiasm for it intensifi ed. He loved watching sci-fi movies, and loved the world of astronomy, too. In fact, Mike even had his own telescope. His curiosity never ceased when it came to the beauty of the night skies as it truly engaged him. His other interests included boating, and he loved to travel, especially to the Smokey Mountains and the Ozarks. He enjoyed a good movie at home, or at the theater, but especially if it was a sci-fi fl ick. Although he enjoyed cooking out, Mike possessed an extreme sweet tooth and always had candy nearby, especially Laffy Taffy, his favorite. He also favored seafood and enjoyed a good meal of it whenever he had the opportunity. When it came to family, Mike was surrounded by their love. He cherished his son Bradley, and considered him to be his best friend. Fond memories were shared between them as they often went to the State Park and played catch, or took long walks together. However, the birth of Mike’s grandson, Noah, was the high point of his life. He loved that boy with all his heart. He was so glad to have him in his life. Noah could always make Mike feel better, even by just seeing the sparkle in his eyes. There are simply not enough words to describe Mike’s giving and loving heart. He extended his heart of gold to those in need, and would do anything to help someone. He was a wonderful friend, and always went the extra mile when needed. Mike was always there for his friends and family with outstretched arms and a helping hand. They turned to him when there was no where else to turn. When his mom was ill, Mike moved her in with him so he could lovingly take care of her and keep her as comfortable as possible. Always caring, loving and giving, even when his dear friend was dying, Mike moved her into his home and took care of her until she drew her last breath. Most of all, Mike loved making people laugh. He could always see the bright side of things, and found humor in the most unpredictable situations in life. He had an uncanny sense of humor, and could be quite comical at times. Each day he enjoyed the company of good friends, sharing the best of times with his friends and neighbors. As a loving father, Mike was his son’s very best friend, and he loved his grandson beyond compare. He will be deeply missed by many close friends, and most of all, his loving family. Sadly, at the age of 55, Michael Ricky Manning passed away at home on Sunday, October 24, 2010. He is survived by his son, Brad Andrew (Selina) Manning of Chebanse; grandsons: Noah Manning of Chebanse and Max Reigel of Chebanse; sisters: Barbara Ann (Robert)Wheeler of Bradley and Venita Diane (Daniel) Bisping of Peotone; nephews: Brandon (Kelly) Gibbs and Randy Wheeler; nieces: Mindy (Scott) Kinner and Ann (Mike) Smith; great-nephews: Nicolas Balhan, Ethan Smith, Jake Wheeler and Danny Gibbs; great-niece, Kaylee Wheeler; and his special friend, Judy Schkerke of Bourbonnais. Michael was preceded in death by his nephew, Ryan Wheeler and his parents. Funeral services for Michael will be held on Friday, October 29, 2010, 7:00 PM at the Bourbonnais Chapel of Schreffl er Funeral Homes. A time for friends and family to gather will take place Friday from 4:00 PM until the time of the service at 7:00 PM. Cremation rites will be accorded. For those who wish, memorials may be given to the family. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to watch his Life Story video, leave a favorite memory or photo of Mike or to sign his online guest book. Visit LifeStoryNet.com to connect with your friends and family, share stories, and sign the guestbook. Schreffl er Funeral Homes are the exclusive provider of the Life Story Experience™..